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How many homeowners does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one … plus 40 YouTubers with 50 opinions on how to do it. Of course, changing a bulb is usually not that difficult. But replacing a broken bulb can present some challenges—including the possibility of lacerations and electrocution. The most popular solution, judging from Amazon sales, may be Bayco LBC-800 Bulb ChipperIncluding two sizes of extension-pole-friendly extractors for under $10.
As always, start by turning off the power to your lights, ideally through your circuit breaker panel, and using the proper protective gear: non-conductive gloves, eye protection, and a cloth or other means of catching as much glass as possible. Push the tool inside the threaded base of the broken bulb (thus two sizes). It will hold the base with a soft/sticky/rubbery plug and whatever is left will be in the light, so the base can be rotated easily. If you’re using an extension pole to pull out a broken bulb from high overhead, attaching the Bico to the pole should work without a lot of trial and error. If you have trouble with outdoor fixtures rusting, you might want to too Remove rust from the light socket.
Ways to remove a broken bulb
Some DIY solutions work similarly for removing standard incandescent and LED bulbs when they break (By replacing fluorescent tubes has its own process). This involves covering the handle end of an appropriately sized screwdriver in duct or electrical tape, sticky side out; forcing the potato on the socket; inserting a wine bottle cork; or melted with a lighter or torch using the mouth of a plastic water bottle. All of these work well to one degree or another, and hold glass pieces reasonably well. But, for a purpose-built tool, the Bayco bulb remover seems to be the easiest solution. With 4 stars out of nearly 2,500 reviews, one happy customer says: “Guys, let me tell you – this tool is like Excalibur for broken light bulbs.” Negative reviews, accounting for about 20% of the total comments, note that despite best efforts, the product does not work.
If you decide to consider another product, other commercial tools, such as the Alden Ease-Out, Unger/Bebbe bulb-changer, and similar tools, target their friction specifically to the inside of the metal thread. Most pros and DIYers simply use pliers, either to create friction at two points within the threads, or simply spread the threads by holding them to one side and carefully rotating the base. The needle-nose pliers method usually proves adequate and requires minimal preparation when fixing a bulb socket that you can easily reach. But it can be tricky, and one should give pause before 120 volts using a metal tool gives your heart a break. If you are not 100% sure that the power is off or if you do not have an electrical tester to confirm it, do not stick metal into the light bulb socket. Use a professional product or screwdriver handle trick with electrical tape, which is non-conductive. Once you’re done, if you think whatever damaged the bulb has also damaged the socket, A bad light socket will need to be fixed.
